Fire Captain

Fire Captain

Salary

$121,079.40 - $142,029.00 Annually

Location

Compton, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-27:26

Department

Fire

Opening Date

10/28/2026

Closing Date

11/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general direction, to command the work, training and discipline of personnel of a fire station on an assigned shift; to have immediate responsibility for the station's fire apparatus and equipment; to have charge of fire prevention work when so assigned by the Fire Chief; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

As the first-line supervisor, a Fire Captain has direct command over the activities and personnel of a fire station during an assigned shift, and is responsible for the discipline of personnel and proper use and maintenance of apparatus and equipment, subject to the policies and supervision of the Fire Chief. Until the arrival of the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief or the Fire Battalion Chief, the Fire Captain decides on the equipment to be used, plans the spotting of equipment in relation to the fire, and decides on, and carries out the best method of fighting the fire. The Fire Captain is responsible for the effective and efficient extinguishment of the fire unless relieved of command.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responds to fire alarms, selects the route to be taken to the fire, assigns personnel and equipment, and orders placement of the truck in proper position for efficient operation; makes decisions as to the best methods and equipment to use in extinguishing the fire and saving lives unless relieved of command by the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief or Fire Battalion Chief; supervises and assists in the laying of hose lines, the direction of streams of water, pressure of streams, placement of ladders, ventilation of buildings, and rescue of persons; administers first aid; supervises and conducts salvage and clean-up operations; sees that equipment is returned to its proper place and serviced after the fire has been extinguished; takes charge of the fire station and supervises the maintenance of quarters and equipment during assigned shift; supervises the cleaning of quarters, equipment and apparatus and inspects them to see that they are in good condition; inspects personnel and maintains discipline; conducts classes and fire drills; transmits orders and information to crew members; maintains records; occasionally relieves a Fire Battalion Chief.

When so assigned, supervises assigns and directs the work of the Fire Prevention Bureau; makes inspections of storage for explosives and flammable liquids, automatic fire alarm systems, automatic sprinkler systems, factories, schools and other buildings where people gather; writes reports of inspects and recommends preventative action to be taken; enforces State and City fire laws and ordinances, and reports violations; investigates origin and causes of fires; speaks before school and civic groups; distributes information in the form of bulletins and pamphlets on fire prevention; holds staff meetings with Fire Engineers and Firefighters to outline special hazards and problems which may be encountered in fighting fires; maintains records of inspections, investigations and related activities and performs administrative assignments when so directed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented with at least one (1) college level course in each of the following areas: Fire Management, Fire Command, Fire Investigation, Fire Prevention and Fire Instruction; OR

An Associate in Science degree in Fire Science from as accredited college can be substituted for the required college level courses specified above.

State Certification as a Fire Officer is desirable.

• Experience: Presently employed as a Fire Engineer or Firefighter with four (4) or more years of services at a municipal fire department.

KNOWLEDGES AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of modern fire fighting, and of protecting lives and property; thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Compton Fire Department and State and City fire laws and ordinances; wide knowledge of the operations and maintenance of the types of apparatus and equipment used by Compton Fire Department, together with ability to direct the efficient use of such apparatus and equipment; wide knowledge of fire training principles; ability to make inspections and detect hazardous conditions and violations of fire laws; thorough knowledge of the geography and the major fire hazards of the City of Compton; wide knowledge of first aid and resuscitation practices, and ability to lead personnel effectively and maintain discipline; the ability to maintain records and submit reports; meet physical and health status requirements necessary for performance in this classification of work as outlined in the City's Medical Standards for Applicants and Employees.

LICENSE: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. While we cannot prevent applicants from using their work email, the City is not responsible for missed communications due to system outages, firewall restrictions, employee leave, or any other technical or accessibility issues affecting City email accounts.

All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and submit all required documents -such as licenses, certifications, and proof of education- outlined in the job posting. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required documentation, will not be considered.

Please note: Only the first 50 applications received that best meet the qualifications and needs of the hiring department will be invited to continue in the hiring process. Additional applications may be reviewed at a later time, based on hiring needs.

EXAMINATION

The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.

Phase one (1) is a written exam (weighted 30%) which will measure all or portions of the above knowledge, and skills. Phase two (2) is an oral examination (weighted 30%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability, Phase three(3) will be a green cell simulation (weighted 40%) which will measure all or portions of the above knowledge, and skills . The oral examination may include graded simulation exercises, writing exercises, and oral presentations. A passing score for each phase is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via mail or e-mail.

The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.

GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS

The City of Compton does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or provisions of services.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date.

ELIGIBLE LISTS

Recruitment may be conducted on a (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s).

PLEASE NOTE:

All permanent City employees that attain an overall score of at least 75.00 will be placed on both the promotional eligible list and the open-competitive eligible list. All City employees that attain a score of 70.00 on EACH PHASE of the examination but an overall score of less than 75.00 will be placed on the open-competitive eligible list only.

Each eligible list shall remain in effect one (1) year from the date of its establishment unless it is extended, abolished or exhausted. Whenever possible, three (3) names are certified to fill any one (1) vacant position. No candidate may be certified more than three (3) times for any one classified position. When certifying eligible lists to appointing powers, the promotional eligible list takes precedence over the open-competitive eligible list. A department managers recommendation for employment is subject to the City Managers approval.

EXAMINATION APPEAL PROCEDURE

A candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section 6.8).

EXAMINATION RECORDS

All examination papers, including the employment application, resume, and other attachments submitted by candidates are the property of the Personnel Board and are confidential records which may be open to inspection only for purposes and under conditions established by the Personnel Board.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

In all entrance examinations (open-competitive only) for positions in the Classified Service, veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during time(s) of war, and who attain an overall passing score in the examination are allowed additional preferential credit in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations. In order to claim veterans credit, the applicant must submit proof of service and honorable discharge (showing specific dates of service) on a U.S. Military form (DD-214) at the time of application or not later than the final filing date for the examination.

FRINGE BENEFITS

The Citys comprehensive fringe benefits program includes: retirement (Public Employees Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after-hours education reimbursement, ride share program, uniform allowance and other provisions.

Why Work for the City of Compton?

We are proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and career growth, including:

• CalPERS Retirement- Secure pension through the California Public Employees' Retirement System
• Lifetime Medical Coverage for Retirees- Fully funded by the City after 5 years of service with CalPers
• CalPERS Health Benefits Program- Choice of 10 health plans, with City-paid premiums for employees and eligible dependents (up to the annual Kaiser family rate)
• Employer-Paid Vision and Dental Insurance- For both employees and eligible dependents
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance- Offered through UNUM
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)- For healthcare and dependent care expenses through American Fidelity
• Employee-Sponsored Supplemental Benefits- Optional coverage such as life, disability, and accident insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off- Vacation, sick leave, and 16* paid holidays per year
• 4/10 Flexible Work Schedule- Most Administrative roles based at City Hall enjoy a 4-day workweek, with Fridays off*
• Educational Reimbursement- Up to $3,000 per fiscal year for tuition and books
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- Confidential services for personal and professional support
• Professional Development Opportunities- Ongoing training and career growth resources
• Total number of holidays are subject to change based on the fiscal year.
• City Hall is closed on Fridays. Please contact HR to confirm if the position youre interested in follows a 4/10 schedule.

01

Which of the following education requirements do you meet? Please attach supporting transcripts or proof of degree to your application for validation.

• I possess an H.S. Diploma, GED, or equivalent, supplemented with at least one (1) college-level course in each of the following areas: Fire Management, Fire Command, Fire Investigation, Fire Prevention, and Fire Instruction.
• I possess an Associate in Science degree in Fire Science from an accredited college.
• I do not meet either of the education requirements listed above.

02

Are you presently employed as a Fire Engineer or Firefighter with four (4) or more years of services at a municipal fire department? (please note that this experience must be clearly outlined in your application)

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a State certification as a Fire Officer? If yes, please attach transcript or certificate to application.

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess a valid motor vehicle license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles? PLEASE SCAN AND ATTACH A COPY TO YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION.

• Yes
• No

05

Are you a current, permanent City of Compton employee? Please note this excludes individuals currently on probation.

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have any relatives employed by the City of Compton? If you have any relatives that work for the City of Compton, please indicate their name. If you do not, please type in N/A.

07

This brings you to the end of your application. Before submitting your application, please make sure you have done the following: 1. Read the entire job description and understand the position you are applying for. 2. Read the Minimum Qualifications and clearly state your relevant experience and education on your application; including any licenses and/or certificates if applicable. (Note: resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of a completed application.) 3. Attach any proof of education, licenses and/or certificates if applicable. 4. Completed all sections of the application and answered all questions thoroughly.

• I certify that I have read this notice and understand the instructions provided.

Required Question

Employer City of Compton

Address 205 South Willowbrook Ave

Compton, California, 90220

Phone 310-605-5535

Website https://www.comptoncity.org